What is Sofrito?

The mouse was under the spell, too!

When my Mother was alive and in the kitchen sautéing Sofrito, it was as if cartoon ‘fingers’ wafted throughout the house, hooked me by the nostrils and dragged me…floating in aromatic bliss, towards the kitchen!

Sofrito is many things, not the least of which are: hypnotic smelling, a valuable and savory addition to recipes (and not only to Caribbean dishes) and oh yes, it's very healthy! 

So what is Sofrito? Puerto Rican Sofrito is an aromatic cooking base made with onions, garlic, recao, aji dulces and more. But there is no one set recipe and it's not solely Puerto Rican. On the contrary, many countries (including but not limited to: Spain, Greece, Colombia, Mediterranean and Caribbean areas and Philippines) have their own version of Sofrito. In fact, most Caribbean cultures even differ slightly from one another.

Additionally, there are various ways to prepare and use Sofrito. Mom used to reach into the fridge as needed and dice up, then saute yellow onions and green bell pepper in olive oil, then add cilantro and sometimes Spanish Olives (Manzanillo) and capers.  

I have a different agenda...expediting meals by preparing it in advance. I get out my local area produce circulars and shop the best bargains on green bell peppers, yellow onions, red bell peppers ( or sweet Mexican peppers), garlic heads, cilantro, parsley and tomato. I have a Sofrito Making Day and I prepare my Sofrito fresh in bulk, freezing it for future use. See my recipe and photos here.

Finally, it can be purchased premade by companies such as Goya: Goya Sofrito

9/11 and Elaine Dyer Pecorelli

Ten years ago today, most Americans watched their TV's in absolute shock while the World Trade Center attacks unfolded before our eyes.

I did not personally know Fox Camera Man Thomas Pecorelli, but I did work on the same FOX property at that time. 

A short time later, I attended Tom's memorial service with a co-worker. I saw Tom's mother standing outside the reception, crying quietly by herself. I walked up and introduced myself, put my arm around her and asked her if she wanted a glass of water and to sit with me...she said, 'yes'. In the following minutes, she would only proclaim over and over, "I want my Tommy back!". It was completely gut- wrenching. I could only listen and pray silently to myself...for her...for her 'Tommy'.

In the past ten years I have thought many, many times about what happened on 9/11, and each time I can't help but to think of Tom's mother. I've often wondered how she was faring and after many unsuccessful Internet Searches, it appears that today the tide has changed. I've finally found Mrs. Elaine Pecorelli-Dyer on the Internet. 

I long to tell Elaine personally that I'm so sorry she has endured ten years of such deep unrelenting grief. I am very happy however, to read that she is very involved in the life of her 'Tommy's' son, Nicholas.

Elaine, 

My darling Mother (Hilda Valle) recently passed away...very quickly. She asked that the following poem be read at her Memorial Service and I want to share that with you...

Miss Me But Let Me Go

Author: Anonymous

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long
And not with your head bowed low
Remember the love that we once shared
Miss me-but let me go

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all part of the Master's plan
A step on the road to home

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds
Miss me but let me go.

Photo by DAVID ALBERS for NaplesNews.com